July 13, 2013

Dear Jaimejamesg,
Hello to you! I am so happy that you have written to me. Forgive me, I only remember an extremely shy, tiny little girl with huge brown eyes and wafer thin arms. You looked just like a little Jimmy back then.

Thank you so much for writing to me. You can get my address from your Aunt Rose at (812) 371-2643, or 1904 Central Avenue #4, Columbia, TN 47201. Okay? Good!

I would love to have a copy of the photo of Karen and myself. She was the rarest of beauties, and I will miss her eternally.

Yep! How are you? Are you in school? Married? A serious significant other? You sound like an artist, your own self.

We need to find out our family tree. I would love to know that.

So, my darling niece, I am terminally ill and I just—when I think I'm gonna feel okay, for a while, I start to slip. So, time is precious. I'd love to have some photos of you, of your mom and dad too. I have very few photographs.

You can also get my snail mail from your brother, Larry.

I can't tell you how happy you have made me by writing to me. All I could ever want is for you and your family to be safe, healthy, and prosperous. Please try and forgive your Aunt Rosie. Sometime, I will tell you more of what led my beautiful sister down her sorrow filled path. I worry for her. Although she is doing so much better now.

Wow, your brother sure does love some beautiful children. What a great family. When I first got a photo, I thought it was your dad writing to me. Larry looks so much like my dad and his dad. All of you nieces look like the Chaplin women. I really only remember Dad's sister. I think her name was Aunt Liney (pronounced like "line," like clothesline). So long ago.

I have re-discovered Aunt Betty. Do you know her? She was married to my dad's brother, I think.

Well, you make sure you get the address. Okay? And we will be able to write or call. I can call you without it costing you, okay? It would be nice to hear your voice.

This is the most recent picture of myself. I'm all peaceful and aged, like a 4th grade lady school teacher. Well, sort of.

Write again, Ms. Jamie Chaplin.

All of my love,
Your uncle, Randy Chaplin